Reps Probe EFCC, NCoS On Bribery Allegations Linked To Bobrisky’s Conviction
On Monday, the House of Representatives interrogated officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over allegations that both agencies were bribed by Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. These allegations followed Bobrisky’s conviction and sentencing for abusing the naira in April 2024.
The EFCC strongly denied claims that Bobrisky had paid N15 million to have money laundering charges dropped, while the NCoS asserted that he served his sentence at the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre and not in a private residence, as alleged. Bobrisky had been convicted in April 2024 and sentenced to six months in prison. However, his release in August sparked rumors of preferential treatment due to his celebrity status.
The controversy escalated after social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), released an audio recording in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed that he served his sentence in a private apartment due to the intervention of a godfather and senior officials from the NCoS. In the recording, Bobrisky also purportedly mentioned paying N15 million to EFCC officials.
In response to the allegations, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, initiated a probe and suspended several senior correctional officers. The House of Representatives also summoned Bobrisky, VeryDarkMan, and officials from both the EFCC and NCoS to testify.
During Monday’s hearing, NCoS Deputy Controller Michael Anugwa explained that Bobrisky had been placed in a separate cell due to his unique physical features and had refused to eat prison rations, opting for self-feeding instead. NCoS officials denied the claim that Bobrisky was held outside the correctional facility.
The EFCC’s Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, defended the commission’s actions, stating that Bobrisky’s charges were dropped because he had admitted guilt in his statement. Nzekwe urged the House to ensure that false accusations do not undermine the integrity of law enforcement agencies.
The hearing was adjourned, with the House panel requesting further evidence, including a witness who recorded the alleged audio of Bobrisky.
